SMC completes requirements for Boracay bridge project proposal

Conglomerate San Miguel Corp. submitted the complete proposal to build a bridge that would allow land-based access to Boracay Island.

SMC’s unsolicited offer, known as the Boracay Bridge Project, had fulfilled key requirements of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The certification was made on Jan. 29, 2019, but was made public only recently on the DPWH’s website. The DPWH said it was currently evaluating the bridge proposal.

The project was described as a “limited access bridge infrastructure project” that would link Panay  and Boracay, a popular destination for local and international visitors that was closed for six months last year under a rehabilitation program ordered by President Duterte.

The project is not meant to significantly increase the tourist load on the island but would allow the easier flow of supplies and removal of waste.

“The bridge is not envisioned to cater to vehicular through-traffic, so as not to congest the island, but will be provided with loading/unloading areas on both ends to process the movement of commuters, solid waste, goods and supplies,” the DPWH said.

The project will cost P5.48 billion, including the right-of-way, and will be undertaken by San Miguel Holdings Corp., SMC’s infrastructure arm.

SMC also operates the Boracay Airport in Panay through concession holder TransAire Development Holdings Corp.

SMC Holdings’ other assets include toll roads such as the South Luzon Expressway, Metro Manila Skyway, Naia Expressway, Star Tollway  and the Tarlac Pangasinan La Union Expressway. Its other projects include the Bulacan Bulk Water project, the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 and the Manila North Harbor project.